General Training Writing Task 1 · semi-formal · other

Recommendation Letter for a Friend Applying for Work: IELTS semi-formal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 semi-formal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 194 words
  • Semi-formal letters
  • Other
  • 20 minutes
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The task

One of your friends wants to apply for a job involving working with foreign teenagers.

Write a letter of recommendation for him/her. In your letter:

  • →mention since when you have known your friend
  • →explain why you are recommending your friend
  • →mention some good qualities of your friend

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8194 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to formally recommend my close friend, Sarah Jenkins, for the position of youth activities coordinator at your summer camp. I have known Sarah for over a decade, having first met her during our undergraduate studies, and I have had the pleasure of observing her professional and personal development ever since.

I highly recommend Sarah because she possesses a unique ability to connect with young people from diverse backgrounds. Having volunteered at several international youth forums, she is deeply experienced in managing cross-cultural dynamics. Her approach is both structured and empathetic, which ensures that foreign teenagers feel both supported and engaged during their stay.

Beyond her experience, Sarah is remarkably patient and possesses a natural aptitude for conflict resolution. She remains calm under pressure and is an excellent communicator, which is essential when working with teenagers who may be adjusting to a new environment. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels included.

I am confident that Sarah would be a tremendous asset to your team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.

Best regards,

James Miller

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Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

This letter achieves Band 8 by addressing all three bullet points with specific, natural examples that justify the recommendation while maintaining a consistent semi-formal tone. A common Band 6 error is failing to link the friend's personal qualities specifically to the requirements of working with foreign teenagers, often resulting in a generic letter that could apply to any job.

  • →Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.
  • →Polite and friendly at once: a few contractions are fine, slang is not. Close with Yours sincerely or Kind regards.
  • →State the purpose in the first two sentences; small talk costs words you need for the bullets.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • undergraduate studies

    The period of study for a first university degree.

  • cross-cultural dynamics

    The way people from different cultures interact together.

  • empathetic

    Showing an ability to understand another person's feelings.

  • conflict resolution

    The process of ending a disagreement between people.

  • infectious

    Likely to spread quickly to other people.

  • tremendous asset

    A person or thing that is very valuable.

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Semi-formal. Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

This letter achieves Band 8 by addressing all three bullet points with specific, natural examples that justify the recommendation while maintaining a consistent semi-formal tone. A common Band 6 error is failing to link the friend's personal qualities specifically to the requirements of working with foreign teenagers, often resulting in a generic letter that could apply to any job.

Keep practising

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